Analysis of leukocyte rolling and migration--using inhibitors in the undisturbed microcirculation of the rat mesentery--on inflammatory stimulation.

AIM Our aim was to develop a method of migration analysis using the undisturbed microcirculation of rat mesentery, and using the new method, analyze leukocyte migration in casein-induced inflammation. METHOD Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were injected with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, interleukin (IL)-1alpha, or casein intraperitoneally. Following this, the rats were sacrificed and the mesentery tissue removed was fixed and stained with Giemsa. The leukocytes were counted as a rolling index in the venules and as a migration index in the perivascular area. RESULTS There was no relation between the diameter of venules and leukocyte migration. The time change curves of leukocyte activity in casein inflammation show about a 1 h difference between rolling and migration. From inhibitor experiments of casein-induced migration at 2 h, it has been suggested that selectin-related rolling is necessary. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) also appears partially involved. CONCLUSION The improved undisturbed microcirculation method is helpful not only for rolling analysis but also in analysis of leukocyte migration. Casein inflammation analyzed using this method revealed that rolling is necessary and also suggested that partial involvement of PAF is necessary for pathogenesis of leukocyte extravasations.